Abstract: Methods for preparing catalytic systems include passivating a gamma-phase alumina support body to yield a theta-phase alumina support body and applying catalytic metal to passivated theta-phase alumina support body. Passivating can include heating, optionally in the presence of steam. The gamma-phase alumina can be lanthanum-doped gamma-phase alumina and can be about 0.1-55 wt. % lanthanum. The catalytic metal can include rhodium, copper, or nickel. The catalytic metal can be rhodium or nickel, and the catalytic metal can be applied to the passivated theta-phase alumina support body at a loading of about 0.1-10 wt. %. The catalytic metal can be copper, and the catalytic metal can be applied to the passivated theta-phase alumina support body at a loading of about 0.1-30 wt. %. The gamma-phase alumina support body can be at least about 90 wt. % gamma-phase alumina. The passivated theta-phase alumina support body can be at least about 80 wt. % theta-phase alumina.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a threaded hole in a workpiece includes providing the workpiece having a region with a hole. The method also includes cutting a threading for the hole. Furthermore, the method includes, independent of cutting the threading, densifying the region proximate the hole to reduce material porosity in the region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing zinc-coated steel having a reduced susceptibility to liquid metal embrittlement (LME) according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a steel substrate including iron, carbon in amount ranging from about 0.01-0.45 weight percent, chromium in an amount ranging from about 0.5-5 weight percent, and silicon in an amount ranging from about 0.5-2.5 weight percent. The method includes forming an oxide-containing layer on a surface of the steel substrate by annealing the steel substrate in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The method further coating a zinc layer on the oxide-containing layer by a spray coating process. In certain aspects, the present disclosure also provides a method of forming an assembly having a reduced susceptibility to LME via resistance spot welding. The present disclosure also provides, in various aspects, a zinc-coated steel component including a steel substrate, an oxide-containing layer, and a zinc layer.

Abstract: A hybrid threading tool defines a longitudinal axis and includes a cutting portion with a plurality of cutting teeth. The plurality of cutting teeth are configured to cut a first threading into a workpiece. The hybrid threading tool also defines a forming portion that is attached to the cutting portion and that is arranged therewith along the longitudinal axis. The forming portion includes a plurality of forming teeth configured to plastically deform the first threading into a second threading for the workpiece.

Abstract: A master alloy including an alloy composition including magnesium (Mg) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 1.00 wt. % to less than or equal to about 90 wt. %, boron (B) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.01 wt. % to less than or equal to about 20 wt. %, and aluminum (Al) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.1 wt. % to less than or equal to about 90 wt. %, wherein the alloy composition includes MgB2 particles at a volume fraction greater than or equal to about 0.01% to less than or equal to about 20%.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for forming an autonomous vehicle of an upper body unit configured to consume space in an upward direction to minimize a horizontal footprint and enable a stacking of vehicle components on top of each other in the upward direction; a lower chassis unit configured to oppose the upper body unit and include a structure for supporting the modular unit with prismatic cross members to configure to a range of module unit widths, the lower chassis unit including: a set of structural rails on either side of the lower chassis unit configured in a rigid frame unit with longitudinal members wherein the structural rails can be attached to another corresponding set of structural rails; a plurality of compartment units including: front-compartment, rear-compartment, and mid-compartment units configured to be attached on either side of the lower chassis unit for the forming of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for developing and producing a die using mesh data. A mesh data file representing a surface of the die is created. The mesh data file is configured in an original format that is one of a point-facet format or a node-element format. The mesh data file is translated into a translated format that is another of the point-facet format or the node-element format. Prior to building, the die, as represented by the mesh data file, is evaluated virtually.

Abstract: A wastegate assembly for controlling flow of exhaust gas includes a valve element having a valve body and a valve shaft. The wastegate assembly further includes a spindle having a head defining an opening for receiving the valve shaft. The wastegate assembly further includes a washer coupled to the valve shaft and spaced from the spindle such that the spindle is disposed between the valve body and the washer. The spindle head or the washer includes a raised lip extending towards the other of the spindle head or the washer, with the other of the spindle head or the washer defining a notch configured to at least partially receive the raised lip and configured to cooperate with the raised lip to shield the biasing member from exhaust gas and high temperatures.

Abstract: Presented are electronic power module assemblies with direct-cooling vapor chamber systems, methods for making/using such power module assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such power module assemblies. A power module assembly includes an outer housing with an internal coolant chamber that circulates therethrough a coolant fluid. A power semiconductor switching device is mounted to the module's housing, separated from the coolant chamber and isolated from the coolant fluid. The power device selectively modifies electric current transmitted between a power source and an electrical load. A two-phase, heat-spreading vapor chamber device includes an outer casing with a casing segment that is mounted to the module housing, fluidly sealed to the internal coolant chamber and exposed to the coolant fluid.

Abstract: A method of making a reference electrode assembly for an electrochemical cell according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a subassembly including a separator layer and a current collector layer coupled to the separator layer. The method further includes providing an electrode ink including an electroactive material, a binder, and a solvent. The method further includes creating a reference electrode precursor by applying an electroactive precursor layer to the current collector layer. The electroactive precursor layer covers greater than or equal to about 90% of a superficial surface area of a surface of the current collector layer. The electroactive precursor layer includes the electrode ink. The method further includes creating the reference electrode assembly by drying the electroactive precursor layer to remove at least a portion of the solvent, thereby forming an electroactive layer. The electroactive layer is solid and porous.

Abstract: A method for controlling automated driving operations of a vehicle includes determining vehicle origin and destination data, and generating a graphical representation of a road network with multiple candidate routes between the vehicle's origin and destination. Road-level data, including speed, turn angle, and/or gradient data, is received for each candidate route, and respective total energy uses are estimated for the vehicle to traverse across the candidate routes. Multiple candidate driving strategies, each having respective speed and acceleration profiles, are determined for the candidate route with the lowest estimated total energy use. An optimal candidate driving strategy is selected through a cost evaluation of the associated speed and acceleration profiles and forward movement simulations of the vehicle over a prediction horizon.